What is a presumptive condition?

The V.A. regards i.e. presumes that the illness is related to a veteran's military service. Consequently, if you file a claim for service-connected benefits, because you have succumbed to a “presumptive condition,” you do not have to "prove" a connection between the health related issue/problem and military service. The link is presumed to exist. Therefore, having this information makes it easier for veterans to make a claim.

Here is a partial list of presumptive conditions:

• Certain cancers related to the Hiroshima or Nagasaki atomic bomb, and atomic testing.
• MS, if diagnosed within seven years of discharge.
• Hypertension, arthritis, etc. if diagnosed within one year of discharge.
• Psychosis, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, if a POW.
• Certain cancers, type II diabetes, ischemic heart condition or Parkinson's disease are considered presumptive in veterans who served in Vietnam any time from February 28, 1961 through May 7, 1975.
• ALS if the veterans served 90 days active duty.